Hot Hits for MacMillan
Showcase 2015 is back at the Church Hill
Not content with blowing away the King’s Theatre for its 25th anniversary production in May, Showcase is returning to the Church Hill Theatre next week for its annual show.
Showcase 2015 will be a double celebration, as it will be the first production at the Church Hill after the theatre’s 50th anniversary exhibition opens this week.
The Showcase25 Company at the King’s in May. Photo: Showcase Productions
At the helm, once again, will be director Andy Johnston, who describes this Autumn’s programme as: “An eclectic mix of old and new including songs from throughout the lengthy career of Sir Elton John and a tribute to the genius that was Jacques Brel.”
The joy of the Showcase formula lies in its ability to dodge from one end of the musical spectrum to the other. So beside celebrating the recent reunion of Fleewood Mac, the company will also be getting in amongst the celebrated cover versions, including songs from artists as diverse as Pet Shop Boys, Faith No More and J2.
Johnston adds: “We even manage to squeeze in songs from classic shows such as Les Miserables, Priscilla – Queen of the Desert and Cabaret, alongside songs from current West End hits Gypsy, The Kinks Musical: Sunny Afternoon and Carole King’s Beautiful.”
Of course, such a list is just that, a list of hot (depending on your taste), tunes. The question will be whether Johnston and his musical director and choreographer can give the whole event structure. History tells us that they should be able to.
pivotal role
The company is one of the biggest fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, having raised over £230,000 in the last 25 years. Showcase hopes to raise sufficient funds from this anniversary year to reach our target of £250,000. This is a cause that is close to all Showcasers’ hearts, many of the company and supporters have first hand experience of the tremendous work of Macmillan.
Jayne Forbes, Macmillan Fund-raising Manager for Edinburgh, describes Showcase’s support for the charity as “pivotal” to its presence in Scotland.
“We couldn’t have developed services in the way we have without them,” she says. “And with more people living – and not dying – from cancer, the need for our support is greatly increasing.
“It’s great to work with Showcase. They are fantastic fundraisers but more than this they are truly passionate about, and dedicated to, Macmillan. We couldn’t wish for better advocates and supporters and we would like to thank each and every one of them for their commitment to us.”
Listing
Showcase 2015
Church Hill Theatre, 33a Morningside Road, EH10 4DR
Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 September 2015
Evenings: 7.30 pm; Saturday matinee 2.30 pm
Full details and tickets from Showcase website: http://www.show-case.co.uk/nextshow.htm
Æ’s review of the Showcase25 show is here: https://www.alledinburghtheatre.com/showcase-2015-review/
ENDS
